I must say, it's much harder to get an Irish visa than to visit Schengen countries for the Russians (and I'm afraid, for citizens of some other countries too).
Personally I will not make a journey to Ireland, although will perhaps attend the Event held in Belgium or Croatia (not in Schengen, but national visa is not required for the Russians) or somewhere else on the Continent.
That's just personal difficulties, but I suppose, this question could be essential for other Cohenites as well.

Well as I said, I'm really happy to have everyone over to Cork, and I've now got the support of Albert (IrishAl) Marie (IrishMar) Bernadine (tinderella) and Paula (Aloe Vera) in Dublin, and Gwen (Musicmania) in Kildare to form a core organisation group within the country plus Ruth (Somewhat_Nifty) in the UK and Wendy (Mabeanie) for more remote help. There is also those who pledged help here for the weekend itself and for a possible pre or post gathering in Dublin. So we're happy to go ahead with planning for an event in Cork in the summer of 2014 if you'd all like it.

Dear Afric,
It looks like you've put together a great group of people to help with the event. Anne & I would love to come to Ireland for the Event, I don't think it would be a conflict with the walking weekend as it would be a year later and a different part of the country. Please count on me for any help that I can give. Budgets will, of course, be different, but a basic overview of issues to deal with may be helpful. I also have a number of contacts from people who wished to perform but logistically couldn't pull it off in Madison. Good luck and you will realize that the work is a labor of love with a wonderful sense of accomplishment afterward.

Hi Afric,
I very much like the idea of the Event being held in Ireland and although I initially thought it would be Dublin, I'm looking forward to discovering Cork! So: thumbs up for Cork! I see you already have a nice bunch of people gathered around to help you out, but if I can be of any assistance: don't hesitate to get in touch!

burningviolin wrote:Well as I said, I'm really happy to have everyone over to Cork, and I've now got the support of Albert (IrishAl) Marie (IrishMar) Bernadine (tinderella) and Paula (Aloe Vera) in Dublin, and Gwen (Musicmania) in Kildare to form a core organisation group within the country plus Ruth (Somewhat_Nifty) in the UK and Wendy (Mabeanie) for more remote help. There is also those who pledged help here for the weekend itself and for a possible pre or post gathering in Dublin. So we're happy to go ahead with planning for an event in Cork in the summer of 2014 if you'd all like it.

I love it! Always wanted to visit Ireland, and I'm at your service for "lessons learned" from Madison.

I think Cork has got so much support and positive feedback that we will accept Afric's kind invitation and have our 2014 Event there.
I have also discussed this with several organizers of previous Events and other major meetups, and everyone seems to agree.
Let's keep the other candidates in mind when it is time to decide where we are going to meet in 2016.

jarkko wrote:I think Cork has got so much support and positive feedback that we will accept Afric's kind invitation and have our 2014 Event there.
I have also discussed this with several organizers of previous Events and other major meetups, and everyone seems to agree.
Let's keep the other candidates in mind when it is time to decide where we are going to meet in 2016.

We're delighted that so many of you have been so enthusiastic about Cork and that it has been chosen as the next Leonard Cohen Event city! We're really looking forward to welcoming many old and new friends to Ireland and I'm especially excited to welcome you all to my home city in 2014, the rebel city' or the real capital as it's known!

It is a city with lots to offer on every level, from good food, lots of history, nice venues, good atmosphere and of course lots of culture. In 2005 it was the European Capital of Culture and in 2010 was named as one of the top ten citites to visit by Lonely Planet. We'll do everything to ensure you will all have a really great time here. To get you all in the mood have a look at this video which Albert found.

Goldin wrote:I must say, it's much harder to get an Irish visa than to visit Schengen countries for the Russians (and I'm afraid, for citizens of some other countries too).
Personally I will not make a journey to Ireland, although will perhaps attend the Event held in Belgium or Croatia (not in Schengen, but national visa is not required for the Russians) or somewhere else on the Continent.
That's just personal difficulties, but I suppose, this question could be essential for other Cohenites as well.

Roman, if you can get a visa to the UK, you can probably travel via London and take advantage of a Short-stay Visa Waiver for Ireland. Have you looked into it?